Flea Bites On Dogs: What They Look Like and How to Treat Them

Flea bites on dogs are the worst. Sure, those flea bites around your own ankles aren't a walk in the park but you, lucky human, at least have trusty old Google and a full medicine cabinet you can use to treat your own bites.

Your poor pup, on the other hand, has had to wait around for you to notice that he has flea bites.

After all, flea bites are easy to spot on our hairless bodies but can be difficult to notice when covered with fur. So what do flea bites on dogs look like and how can you identify them?

What Do Flea Bites Look Like on Dogs?

Flea bites on dogs look like small, red, raised dots on your dog's skin. They're usually smaller than other insect bites and can be difficult to see through your dog's fur. The exception, of course, is if your dog has an allergic reaction to the bite, in which case, the area of redness will be much larger.

But before you go poking around your dog's skin for tiny red bumps, keep in mind that flea bites are not a surefire way to identify a flea infestation. In many cases, you can't see flea bites on dogs. That's when it's helpful to recognize the symptoms of flea bites on dogs, such as...

Extreme scratching and itching

Biting and chewing at skin

Scabs

Hair loss

Red, irritated skin

Pustules and skin infections (for severe reactions)

Also, flea bites are much more obvious on humans thanks to our lack of dense fur. So if you spot a series of tiny red (and itchy) dots around your ankles and lower legs, there's a good chance your dog has picked up a flea infestation. Find out other signs of fleas on dogs!

Flea Bite Treatment for Dogs

Not only do flea bites leave poor Rover red, itchy and miserable, constant itching and scratching can lead to worse symptoms and infection. So it's important that you do what you can to relieve the itchiness and inflammation of the flea bites while treating your dog - and your home - for fleas.

Plus, if you've witnessed your dog suffer from these blood suckers, you'll want to do whatever you can to ease his misery. Here are the best ways to soothe and treat flea bites on dogs!

Flea shampoo for dogs

Flea shampoo is the first line of defense you should reach for since it'll kill the fleas on your dog and give some immediate relief.

Make sure to choose a flea shampoo that has a good combination of both flea-killing ingredients as well as soothing ingredients like oatmeal and aloe vera to alleviate the pain and itch from flea bites.

Benadryl

If your dog is suffering an allergic reaction from flea bites or he's just really miserable and nothing else is working, you can give him Benadryl or any other antihistamine to reduce itchiness, swelling and pain.

The standard dosage for Benadryl for dogs is 1 mg per pound of body weight, given 2-3 times a day.

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